Cuistot

4.6

2886 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Romantic

Cuistot offers fine California/French cuisine and is located at the Southwest intersection of Highway 111 and El Paseo. Cuistot has consistently earned top ratings in the Zagat Survey and was named one of six restaurants in the United States to score a perfect 100 for food by the Conde Nast Traveler. Dine under the stars on our beautiful terrace overlooking a desert water oasis or in one of our elegant dining rooms.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary French / American, Californian, French American
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(760) 340-1000
Website
http://www.cuistotrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Bernard Dervieux
Private party facilities
From small, intimate gatherings to large Receptions and Dinners for up to 320 Guests Private Wine Room, Veranda , Fireplace Room, Bistro and Waterfall Terrace For inquiries contact michael@cuistotrestaurant.com
Private party contact
Michael Shimer: (760) 340-1000

Location
72595 El Paseo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Neighborhood
Palm Desert
Cross street
We are located at the corner of Hwy 111 & El Paseo (west end).
Parking details
Plenty of parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Justin Vineyards Wine Dinner
$0.00 - $145.00 per person
Feb 5, 2025 only
5 Courses - 5 Amazing Justin Wines! Fresh Lobster Ravioli with Truffle Sauce & Justin Rosé 2023 Fresh Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Asparagus with Fernand Sauce & Justin Chardonnay 2022 Lamb Chops over Lentils, Fresh Herbs & Lamb Jus & Justin Reserve Cabernet 2022 Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon over Braised Beet Greens with Justin Cab Franc Buerre Blanc & Justin Justification 2021 Dessert- Melting My Heart, Warm Chocolate Cake with Valrhona Chocolate & Sorbet & Justin Isosceles 2021 NO CHANGES OR SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Won't You be Our Valentine?!
$139.00 per person
Feb 14, 2025 only
3 Course Dinner $139++ 1st Course Choice of; Shrimp Cocktail; Home made Duck Foie Gras Creamy Terrine; Classic Caesar Salad; Fresh Tomato Basil Bisque or Tartare of Heirloom Tomatoes 2nd Course Choice of: Butcher Cut Sliced Filet with Black Peppercorn Sauce; Loup de Mer "Branzino" with Almond Crust with an Almandine Herb Lemon Sauce; Pork Tenderloin Medallions; Stuffed Free range Chicken Breast; or Coquillette Pasta Dessert: Fresh Berry Tarte

Popular dishes

Classic Lyon Style Seafood Quenelles$18.50
in a savory lobster sauce, baked with gruyère
Braised Short Rib Ravioli$16.75
cabernet sauvignon reduction, truffle essence, cremini and chanterelle mushrooms
Fresh Beet and Cream Cheese Napoleon$16.50
smoked salmon and horseradish herb vinaigrette
Warm Asparagus with Morel Essence$20.50
and fresh thyme oil from Chef Bernard's herb garden
Avocado Fan with Warm Goat Cheese$13.75
in a shallot, olive oil and cracked black pepper dressing
Lobster Ravioli$20.50
with truffle and chive sauce
Anaheim Chili Stuffed with Goat Cheese$14.75
garlic, tomato, and thyme sauce
Diver Scallops and Maine Lobster$24.75
with phyllo dough over garlic tomato coulis with thyme essence
Beef Carpaccio$18.50
with anchoyade, caperberries, aged parmesan flakes, sea salt, served with a mini arugula salad
A Selection of Four Farm House and Imported Artisian Cheeses$14.50
with quince paste, nuts and fruit
Siberian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar
with all the classic condiments
- Market Price

Soups and Salads

Wild Mushroom Soup$15.75
with chives
Homemade Soup of the Day$10.50
Baby Field Greens$9.50
with house dressing
Moderne Caesar Salad$11.50
with grana Padano
Spinach Salad$12.75
with berries, almonds, feta cheese with raspberry vinaigrette
California Caprese Salad$13.75
mozzarella, red heirloom tomatoes, basil, grapefruit, aged balsamic, extra virgin olive oil

Entrées

Grilled Seasonal Seabass$46.50
over basmati rice, ginger, fresh herbs, vinaigrette with daikon sprouts Chinese lettuce salad
Grilled Scottish Salmon$47.50
shallot balsamic vinegar reduction, with fava beans, sugar snap peas, and fingerling potatoes
Imported Dover Sole from the English Channel$58.75
cooked on the bone, deboned with imported Belgium courgette, haricots vert and Veronique sauce
Farfalle Pasta$26.50
fresh tomatoes and basil
Pappardelle Pasta$33.50
truffles, morel mushrooms and fava beans
Ditalini Pasta Fazool$31.50
homemade sausage meat, celery, onion, tomato, oregano, white cannellini beans, swiss chard, parmigiano reggiano
Duck Breast$44.50
roasted pink, leg confit with mango ginger and Madeira sauce
Crispy Free Range Chicken$34.75
over aromatic fresh seasonal vegetables and reduced natural juices
Maine Lobster Pot Pie$57.50
with fresh garden vegetables and a rich lobster fumet
California Roasted Quail$45.75
stuffed with sweetbreads, creamy black rice in Chablis wine sauce with a side of fresh vegetables
Roasted Rack of Lamb$49.75
fresh herbs from our garden, reduced lamb jus, a bouquetière of vegetables and gratin dauphinoise
Skillet Roasted Veal Chop$58.75
wild mushroom sauce, roasted garlic, fresh thyme and a bouquetière of vegetables
Grilled Filet of Beef$52.50
aged red wine vinegar sauce, purple shallots, ciboulette, fresh vegetables and gratin dauphinoise
Roasted Rabbit Saddle and Leg$39.75
French Basque ragout of braised savoy cabbage and mirepoix tarragon jus
Pork Tenderloin Medallions$35.50
over steamed spinach with fingerling potatoes, mustard, viognier taragon sauce
Steak Frites$31.50
6.5oz aged New York paver, green beans, and French fries
Classic Cassoulet Toulousain$34.75
lamb, duck, sausage and beans

What 2,886 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities
Romantic
Palm Springs / Palm Desert
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cuistot in Palm Desert promises a "wonderful dining experience" with "great ambience" and "exceptional service." Chef Bernard's presence and culinary expertise are highly praised. The restaurant features a cozy fireplace room, ideal for special occasions. Standout dishes include the rack of lamb and lobster ravioli. "Always an enjoyable experience."

2,886 Reviews

D
David
Minneapolis
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything at Cuistot is excellent. We were able to enjoy excellent food looking at the fire in the cozy room. I love that it was quiet and we could have conversation. Really good service.
Is this helpful?
C
Craig
VIP
Palm Springs
28 reviews
4.0
28 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food and service were lovely However, restaurants who want to be know as an upscale restaurant must enforce a minimum dress code. Shorts, short shorts, torn dirty jeans, filthy shoes, etc should never be acceptable at a fine dining establishment
Is this helpful?
m
michael
VIP
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best restaurants in the desert. Outstanding food and service.
Is this helpful?
K
Kathleen
VIP
Palm Springs
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely dinner in the wonderful Fireplace Room. Excellent menu and waitstaff.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
VIP
Orange County
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and experience. Can hardly wait to return.
CuistotResponded 1 day ago
Thank you Brian! Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Is this helpful?
R
Ryan
VIP
Los Angeles
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent from start to finish! Our favorite French resto in the desert
Is this helpful?
D
Dixie
VIP
Omaha
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Requested table in front of fireplace for a 90th birthday celebration of 4 persons on Jan 10th on Open Table. Arrived on January 16th and the table request was not honored. A woman hostess who did not know that we knew better than she did about table arrangements, argued that a 2 top table was the only way that the restaurant was configured. We knew better as we had been seated there many times before as a 4 top. My husband spoke to the owner, Chef Bernard, who claimed he was the one who took the reservation personally from me, when it was made by me on Open Table. Soured the evening for a 90th birthday.
CuistotResponded 4 days ago
Dixie, thank you for taking the time to write your review. Your reservation request was for "near the fireplace" The table you were sat at was less than 2 feet from the firebox of the hearth! The 4 top you are referencing was removed from that spot over 5 years ago due to it being too crowded with the other tables next to it. I can't even imagine letting a table placement ruin a birthday celebration. That is on you not us.
Is this helpful?
l
leslie
VIP
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Julian at the bar is amazing!!!! Thank you! What a great night
Is this helpful?
t
twanna
Palm Springs
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Its the best! Going for years. I have known all servers for years as well.
Is this helpful?
D
Dora
Palm Springs
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great ambience, superior food, low noise, level and good weight staff. Our waiter was Dan and he did an excellent job. Chef Bernard even came out and talked to us! He does a fabulous job we will be back!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cuistot offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (760) 340-1000.

Cuistot is rated 4.6 stars by 2886 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 21, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

72595 El Paseo Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
We are located at the corner of Hwy 111 & El Paseo (west end).
Neighborhood
Palm Desert
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary French / American, Californian, French American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Plenty of parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Bernard Dervieux
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cuistotrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(760) 340-1000
Private party facilities
From small, intimate gatherings to large Receptions and Dinners for up to 320 Guests Private Wine Room, Veranda , Fireplace Room, Bistro and Waterfall Terrace For inquiries contact michael@cuistotrestaurant.com
Private party contact
Michael Shimer: (760) 340-1000

Cuistot

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

15 Palm Springs Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

75 Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Justin Vineyards Wine Dinner

Won't You be Our Valentine?!

Wild Mushroom Soup

Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Steak Frites

Appetizers

Classic Lyon Style Seafood Quenelles$18.50

Braised Short Rib Ravioli$16.75

Fresh Beet and Cream Cheese Napoleon$16.50

Warm Asparagus with Morel Essence$20.50

Avocado Fan with Warm Goat Cheese$13.75

Lobster Ravioli$20.50

Anaheim Chili Stuffed with Goat Cheese$14.75

Diver Scallops and Maine Lobster$24.75

Beef Carpaccio$18.50

A Selection of Four Farm House and Imported Artisian Cheeses$14.50

Siberian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar

Soups and Salads

Wild Mushroom Soup$15.75

Homemade Soup of the Day$10.50

Baby Field Greens$9.50

Moderne Caesar Salad$11.50

Spinach Salad$12.75

California Caprese Salad$13.75

Entrées

Grilled Seasonal Seabass$46.50

Grilled Scottish Salmon$47.50

Imported Dover Sole from the English Channel$58.75

Farfalle Pasta$26.50

Pappardelle Pasta$33.50

Ditalini Pasta Fazool$31.50

Duck Breast$44.50

Crispy Free Range Chicken$34.75

Maine Lobster Pot Pie$57.50

California Roasted Quail$45.75

Roasted Rack of Lamb$49.75

Skillet Roasted Veal Chop$58.75

Grilled Filet of Beef$52.50

Roasted Rabbit Saddle and Leg$39.75

Pork Tenderloin Medallions$35.50

Steak Frites$31.50

Classic Cassoulet Toulousain$34.75

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Cuistot offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cuistot restaurant rated?

Is Cuistot currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

15 Palm Springs Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

75 Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day